08/11/2026
Can earlier detection and conservative treatment change the trajectory of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis care?
In our August webinar, Scoliosis and Spine Online Learning (SSOL) welcomed Dr. Lloyd Hey, who presented a compelling case for a paradigm shift: moving beyond observation followed by bracing or surgery toward earlier screening, scoliosis-specific exercises, and modern 3D bracing.
Drawing on his experience as an orthopedic spine surgeon, engineer, researcher, and scoliosis specialist, Dr. Hey shared how emerging evidence led him to incorporate Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises and Rigo Chêneau–style 3D bracing into his practice.
He highlighted findings from a large retrospective, single-center study of more than 2,000 adolescents treated over approximately 20 years. After the newer conservative care model was introduced, he reported:
• An increase from approximately 60% to 80% in patients reaching skeletal maturity with curves below 30°
• A decrease in surgical intervention from approximately 25% to 6%—a 75% reduction
While acknowledging the study’s limitations, Dr. Hey emphasized the value of its large sample and real-world clinical setting.
Early detection was another central theme. Through his “Five at One” concept, Dr. Hey advocates beginning spinal screening as early as age one and monitoring signs such as shoulder asymmetry, trunk shift, spinal prominence, forward-bend test findings, and angle of trunk rotation.
Changing scoliosis care will require collaboration among surgeons, pediatricians, physical therapists, orthotists, researchers, families, policymakers, and insurers. It will also require listening to patients and families and including their preferences in evidence-based care decisions.
His closing message captured the spirit of the movement:
“Relationships plus research equals change.”
Founded in 2018 by Andrea Lebel, PT, and Dr. Hagit Berdisevsky, PT, Scoliosis and Spine Online Learning is an international education platform offering International Schroth and Lyon Method certification courses, along with free monthly webinars.
▶️ Watch the full webinar on YouTube:
[https://youtu.be/hfJ0p0AeNgU?feature=shared](https://youtu.be/hfJ0p0AeNgU?feature=shared)
Learn more and explore upcoming educational opportunities:
[www.scoliosisandspineonlinelearning.com](http://www.scoliosisandspineonlinelearning.com)
